It sounds like you came up with solution for padding the boot. . . as I was about to suggest Thorlo stockings make a variety of well-padded socks. I wear the "uniform" over-the-calf sock, as it is not so tight that my leg swells above it, and it is a light support stocking. (Crew length socks make my legs swell just above the top of the sock . . . ugh! ) Back in my mountaineering days I wore Thorlo's that had padding up the shin to protect against rubbing by boots, and they were great! But they might be a little too snug for your use.

You can check them out here: http://www.thorlo.com/